The Incredible Journeys of Real Kids Traveling the Oregon and California Trails!

Imagine being just a kid and embarking on a treacherous journey across unforgiving landscapes, enduring harsh weather conditions, and facing unknown dangers. Sounds like a plot from an adventure movie, right? Well, this was the reality for many brave children who traveled along the Oregon and California Trails during the 19th century.

The Oregon and California Trails were historic routes used by pioneers seeking new opportunities in the western United States. Families packed their belongings onto wagons, along with their hopes and dreams of a better future. Among these intrepid travelers were children, who played a vital role in the success of these journeys.

Meet Sarah and Jacob: Young Pioneers

Sarah was only 12 years old when her family joined a wagon train headed to California. She had left behind her friends and everything familiar in search of a new life. Similarly, Jacob, aged 10, set out with his family on the Oregon Trail, leaving behind his school and the comforts of home.

My Way West: Real Kids Traveling the Oregon and California Trails

by Elizabeth Goss (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40963 KB
Print length	:	50 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

These real-life kids had to quickly adapt to a different way of life. Along the trail, they encountered numerous challenges, such as river crossings, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather. Sarah and Jacob shared during an interview how they would often have to walk long distances when the wagons faced difficulties, as their parents needed their help in pushing the wagons or tending to the livestock.

Making Friends along the Way

One advantage that kids had was that they would often make friends during the journey. These friendships provided support and companionship during the long days on the trails. From playing games during rest stops to assisting each other with their chores, these friendships helped to make their arduous journey a little more bearable.

Not only did they make friends among their fellow travelers, but they also encountered Native American tribes along the way. Sarah and Jacob were fascinated by the indigenous cultures and would often spend time exchanging stories and learning new skills from them. These interactions were invaluable, creating a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for different ways of life.

Education on the Trail

Despite the harsh conditions and daily struggles, Sarah and Jacob's parents believed in the importance of education. They ensured that their children continued to learn even as they traveled. It was not an easy task, considering the lack of traditional schools and resources. However, their parents improvised and taught them practical skills such as reading maps, identifying plants, and even basic arithmetic using everyday objects.

Furthermore, Sarah and Jacob's parents encouraged them to keep diaries during the journey. These diaries not only served as an emotional outlet for the children but also provided invaluable documentation of their experiences. Today, these diaries are treasured artifacts, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of children who traveled the Oregon and California Trails.

The End of the Journey

After months of enduring the hardships of the trail, Sarah and Jacob's families finally reached their destinations. For Sarah, it meant starting a new life by the vibrant beaches of California. For Jacob, it was the lush green valleys of Oregon that would become his new home. These children, along with their families, had successfully navigated the treacherous trails and carved out a future for themselves.

Their stories of resilience and determination continue to inspire new generations. Despite facing incredible challenges at such a young age, these real kids thrived and contributed to the growth of the American West. Their legacy lives on today, reminding us of the indomitable spirit that lies within each of us.

Real kids traveling the Oregon and California Trails experienced incredible journeys that tested their courage, adaptability, and perseverance. Their stories offer a fascinating insight into the lives of children on the frontier, inspiring us with their determination to overcome obstacles and embrace the unknown. The Oregon and California Trails will forever be intertwined with the remarkable adventures of these young pioneers, reminding us of the rich history and heritage of the American West.

My Way West: Real Kids Traveling the Oregon and California Trails

by Elizabeth Goss (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40963 KB
Print length	:	50 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

For kids who want to learn about what life was like on the Oregon and California Trails between 1840 and 1869, this fascinating history book features beautiful papercut illustrations to reveal the true experiences of real children who had traveled west. The book shows how these children's courage, determination, perseverance, and hope defined the West for what it represents today.

Between 1841 and 1884, more than 300,000 people—40,000 of whom were children—moved over land across North America in search for a new start and better life. The journey presented challenges at every turn, from the initial preparations to the months-long trip, and even after when the travelers reached their final destinations. Young emigrants played large roles throughout it all, with responsibilities ranging from hunting animals to gathering buffalo dung, or even caring for babies.

Relying on real letters and memoirs of actual children on the trail, My Way West offers a fresh perspective so that readers, too, can smell the campfire smoke and see the dust kicked up by the wagon wheels. Learn about seven-year-old Benjamin Bonney from Illinois who was introduced to a new type of bread by Native Americans he met on the trail; how thirteen-year-old Heber McBride and his family from England were able to keep up with their traveling group; what ten-year-old Thocmetony of the Northern Paiute in Nevada thought of the travelers passing by her home; what the difficulties twelve-year-old Owen Bush met when his family, including his free African American father, finally reached Oregon; and more.

Including a bibliography and gorgeously illustrated in vibrant, masterful papercut art, this book presents true stories plus quotes so that young readers can share the emigrant kids’ triumphs and tragedies as they make their journey west.